COLUMBUS, Ohio — Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died Thursday night, team officials said.

What You Need To Know

  • New Jersey State Police said Gaudreau was one of two cyclists struck and killed by a car in Salem County, New Jersey — Gaudreau's younger brother, Matthew, 29, was the other victim in the crash, police confirmed

  • The Carneys Point, New Jersey, natives were in the area for their sister Katie's wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia

  • Police said the driver, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto and jailed

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by the unimaginable tragedy," the Blue Jackets said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Friday morning. "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."

New Jersey State Police said Gaudreau was one of two cyclists struck and killed by a car in Salem County, New Jersey. Gaudreau's younger brother was the other victim in the crash, police confirmed.

The Carneys Point, New Jersey, natives were in the area for their sister Katie's wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.

“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support, and we appreciated your continued thoughts and prayers,” an uncle, Jim Gaudreau, said in a statement on behalf of the families involved. “We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.”

According to police, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the driver, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto and jailed.

Gaudreau, 31, was the team's top forward. He signed with the team in July 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames with a seven-year, $68.25 million deal. He was the top scorer for the Blue Jackets two years in a row, taking the team 12-48-60 in 81 games last season.

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew," National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement. "While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path."

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.